Thursday, January 20, 2011

The drink tax in Allegheny County might be lowered if legislation by State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny County) passes. Ferlo is planning on introducing a bill aimed at lowering the drink tax permitted from the current 7 to a maximum 5 percent. His plan will also include the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County dividing the revenue of the tax.

Ferlo says that the tax is important because taverns and bar make up a large proportion of the local economy in the county. "I think a lot of folks, even those who live outside the city, will see the revitalization of some of our neighborhood business corridors. And a lot of that rests on the viability of taverns and restaurants. They're a mainstay in community redevelopment and main street implementation and preservation of historic structures on neighborhood levels."

Funds collected by the County under the plan would continue to go towards transportation. While revenue collected by the city would go to a trust fund for police , fire and public safety protection. The legislation would continue to entrust the county Treasurer with collection.